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November is the month that has historically meant that we should begin preparing for the winter ahead. And that is still something that needs to be accomplished. However, as is the case with many aspects of gardening in the Manatee/Sarasota county area, the extent to which these preparations are pursued are largely governed by where you live in relation to the Gulf. Those living east of I75 are pretty much assured of having at least a couple hard frosts each winter and may have one or more nights with freezing temperatures. Those living on one of the islands rarely experience a frost and almost never have a freeze. Those living in the middle of those two areas find themselves not knowing what to expect. Therefore, it is appropriate for those living on Anna Maria to temper their winter preparation for what they can expect and those in Mill Creek will do a lot more in preparation for what they pretty much know will happen to them.
We should mention that it is possible that even in November we can experience strong winds, which when coupled with, let’s say 40 degree temperatures, will produce chill factors of less than 32 degrees. Such a combination will produce yellow leaves on hibiscus about 10 days later.
Regardless where they live, the "word" for November hibiscus gardeners is, "Be prepared for damaging cold weather". Preparedness will lead you to inventory and put in an accessible area the sheets, blankets, boxes, etc. you need to protect your plants. The old rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected and with this in mind, all preparations for cold weather should be in place before November 10th. All editions of The Hibiscus Handbook discuss protecting hibiscus from cold weather.
Another rule of thumb is "no more fertilizer and pruning until February." Both fertilizing and pruning will encourage growth – something which is not desirable as cold weather approaches.
October December
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